Image to video, starting with your own reference.
Keep the picture as your visual starting point. Use the prompt to describe motion, camera movement, and the details you would like to remain steady.
Studio preview · Generation and checkout are not open yet. Seedance integration is planned.
Want to try a prepared photo effect? The Window Peeper filter uses one person or pet photo for a playful apartment-window video. Explore the photo guide, scene preview, and current generation availability before starting.
Choose an image that makes the subject clear.
A strong reference has an identifiable subject, enough room around it, and a composition that already fits the scene you want. Check the edges for cropped hands, objects, or important details. Unclear areas in the source can remain unclear when motion is added.
Use an image you own or have permission to use. If it includes another person, make sure you have appropriate permission for the intended use. Uploading a photo does not establish rights to the people, artwork, or brands within it.
Describe what moves. Name what stays still.
The image already supplies much of the appearance. Spend your words on the change you want to see.
A still photograph of a small plant beside a sunlit window.
The leaves sway slightly in a gentle breeze while the pot stays fixed on the sill. Keep the camera locked in place. Preserve the window frame and the overall composition. Maintain the soft side lighting throughout one continuous shot.
Separate subject movement from camera movement. If both are strong, it can be difficult to tell whether an unwanted change came from the subject or the framing. Begin with a fixed camera, then experiment with a small push or pan.
A practical first-pass checklist.
- Choose a clear reference whose framing suits 16:9, 9:16, 1:1.
- Use 5 seconds for a simple movement, or 10 seconds for a more gradual action.
- Specify one camera behavior and avoid contradictory instructions such as “locked camera” and “orbit around the subject.”
- Check the credit quote for 720p or 1080p before submitting.
- Review the result for changing shapes, background drift, and unexpected movement before sharing it.
Your reference and result stay with your account.
Uploads and generated videos are private account resources. After a job is accepted, you can leave the page and return to My Library to check progress. The result appears there after it has been saved successfully.
Storage is not permanent. The current retention setting is 30 days; keep a separate copy of source images and download completed work you want to retain. An expired file is not recreated by reopening a library entry.
Image-to-video questions
Will every detail remain identical?
A reference guides the result, but generated motion can change fine details, textures, or proportions. Start with modest motion and review the output closely. The workflow does not promise exact identity or pixel-level preservation.
Can I animate several images into a slideshow?
The current image workflow uses a reference image for a short generated clip. A slideshow, montage, or sequence of separate scenes needs additional editing outside this workflow.
What happens if processing takes longer than expected?
Check the existing job in your library before submitting again. An uncertain status can remain under review while the original task is checked. Learn about job status and reserved credits.